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The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate in Delta State, Deacon Chris Iyovwaye, has called for a “rebirth” of the state, saying Delta needs a new vision, stronger institutions and an economy capable of creating opportunities for its people.

Iyovwaye made the call in a birthday tribute to the Founder and Presiding Bishop of Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo, who turned 72 on Sunday.

In the tribute, Iyovwaye described Oyedepo as a major influence on his generation, saying the cleric had demonstrated through his life that faith, vision and hard work could be combined to build enduring institutions.
“Papa, happy birthday sir. On behalf of myself, my family, and all Deltans who believe in a new Delta, we celebrate you today,” he said.

Iyovwaye said Oyedepo’s establishment of institutions, creation of employment opportunities and development of leaders had inspired his decision to frame the tribute around the theme of “rebirth”.

“That is why I have premised this tribute on rebirth. Because Delta needs a rebirth, Papa,” he said.

The NDC candidate argued that Delta possesses significant natural and human resources, including oil and gas, fertile land, waterways and a large population of young people, but said he was concerned about the economic difficulties facing residents.

“If you look at our state today, my heart bleeds. A state with everything — oil and gas, good land, smart young people, sea, river, everything God gives to a state to be great,” he said.

Iyovwaye said his proposed approach to governance would be anchored on long-term planning rather than short-term political considerations.

“I have said it before and I will say it again here in the presence of God, Delta State needs to be born again,” he said.

Drawing inspiration from Oyedepo’s establishment of institutions such as Covenant University, Iyovwaye said Delta required leaders capable of developing a clear long-term vision for the state.

“Papa saw Canaanland in the bush. He saw Covenant University before any building stood. Our Delta has no vision. In our government, we will bring back vision. Long-term planning. Not this election-to-election planning,” he said.

He also promised to pursue policies aimed at moving young people from dependence on short-term financial assistance to sustainable employment, skills acquisition and enterprise.

“We will build a Delta that will not give our youths 5k to go and shout, but will give them work, skills, land, and money to produce something. A productive Delta,” he said.

Iyovwaye further said the values he associates with Covenant University — integrity, diligence and responsibility — would inform his approach to public administration.

“Covenant University values are built on integrity, diligence, and responsibility. That is what is missing in our Government House today. We will bring back integrity,” he said.
He pledged that government projects and public spending under his proposed administration would be subject to greater accountability.

“When we say we will do a road, we will do a road. When we budget money, that money will be used for Deltans,” he said.

Iyovwaye concluded his tribute by praying for Oyedepo’s continued health, strength and service, while expressing hope that the cleric would live to witness what he described as a “new Delta”.

“Thank you for all you do for Nigeria. Thank you for showing us that it is possible,” he said.
“Happy birthday once again, Papa Bishop David Oyedepo. God bless you sir. God bless Living Faith Church.”